UNSUNG HEROES

SALUTING THOSE WHO SOLDIER ON BEHIND THE SCENES

For this feature, we’ve focused on the riders who’ve wowed and inspired us. But of course, there’s much more to mountain biking than professional athletes. Some of the biggest heroes do their work behind the scenes: the trail builders, who work their fingers to the bone sculpting the tracks we love to ride; the tech pioneers, forever innovating and pushing our bikes and sport forward (some of whom we paid tribute to in issue 398); the grassroots racers struggling to balance work and family with competing; those who nurture talent, by mentoring, supporting privateers or organising events; the photographers capturing the images that make us want to get out and ride; the coaches, mechanics, managers and other team staff who help racers to perform at their best; even that guy at your local bike shop who gets things turned around in time so that you don’t miss your ride. Hats off to them all, and countless others – the sport wouldn’t be what it is without you.